Press Release
10 March 2026
The Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) officially welcomed new and returning students during its Semester One Orientation Programme held yesterday at the Panatina Campus Lecture Theatre.
The orientation brought together students, academic staff, support staff, and university representatives to mark the beginning of the 2026 academic year and to introduce students to the academic programmes, services, and support systems available within the Faculty.
In her official remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, Dr Patricia Rodie, warmly welcomed students to the FEH learning community and encouraged them to approach their studies with commitment, discipline, and responsibility.
Dr Rodie also acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, the Tandai people, recognising their role in allowing Panatina Campus to become a centre for higher learning.
โChoosing to pursue higher education is a significant decision. By enrolling here at the Faculty of Education and Humanities, students have taken an important step toward shaping their future and contributing to the socio-economic development of our country,โ Dr Rodie said.
The Dean also highlighted several important academic developments within the Faculty. One of the major milestones for 2026 is the rollout of the Bachelor of Arts programme, which is now being delivered through the School of Humanities. The programme expands opportunities for students interested in humanities and social sciences while strengthening the Facultyโs contribution to national development.
In addition, the Postgraduate Diploma in Security Studies, which was successfully piloted in Semester Two of 2025, is now continuing with a new intake of students this year. The programme responds to growing national and regional needs in areas such as governance, national security, peacebuilding, and policy development.
Dr Rodie also welcomed new academic staff joining the Faculty this year, including Dr David Sade, who brings experience from both SINU and the University of the South Pacific, and Mr Ronny Saohu, who joins the Security Studies programme as a lecturer seconded from the Ministry of Police, Justice and National Security.
Another important priority highlighted during the orientation was the Facultyโs ongoing work to strengthen academic quality. The Faculty has begun a formal review of the Bachelor of Teaching Primary programme, supported by the Stronger Education Together Programme funded by the Australian Government through DFAT. The review forms part of broader efforts to ensure FEH programmes remain relevant to national needs and meet the standards set by the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education and Skills Authority (SITESA).
Students attending the orientation also participated in a series of station-based sessions covering key aspects of university life. These included academic programme requirements, registration and administrative processes, student support services, campus safety, academic integrity, and the use of digital learning platforms such as Moodle.
The sessions were designed to help students understand the expectations of university study and to familiarise them with the support systems available to assist them throughout their academic journey.
Dr Rodie also reminded students of the importance of academic integrity, encouraging them to use emerging technologies responsibly while ensuring that their academic work reflects their own ideas and effort.
โAs a Faculty, we expect our students to leave not only with academic knowledge and skills, but also with a strong sense of professionalism, responsibility, and integrity,โ she said.
The Faculty of Education and Humanities plays a critical role in preparing teachers, leaders, and professionals who contribute to the social, cultural, and educational development of the Solomon Islands.
The orientation programme concluded with closing reflections and announcements as students prepared to begin their classes for the new semester.
ENDS//